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Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
'Uber is bringing driverless taxis to London but one UK city need them more'
With one of the world's most efficient network systems, why on earth has Uber chosen London to trial its driverless robotaxis? There's a much more obvious choice - argues Liam Gilliver In what feels like a new episode of Black Mirror, driverless taxis could soon be whizzing around the perpetually congested streets of London. Fully autonomous robotaxis - which carry passengers without a human driver - are set to be deployed across the Big Smoke as early as spring 2026, as taxi firm Uber deepens its partnership with UK artificial intelligence (AI) firm, Wayve. Similar trials have already taken place across the pond, in cities such as Austin, Texas, offering passengers a chance to ride in a robotaxi at no extra cost. There are, of course, multiple concerns with the announcement. While the Department for Transport says the industry could create a whopping 38,000 jobs and generate £42 billion for the UK economy by 2035 - it poses a huge job threat for the 100,000-something drivers who work for the company in the UK (many of which had little choice but to abandon their traditional taxi job to join the popular competitor). Naturally, mistrust around these futuristic cars also remains rife - and Brits aren't afraid to voice their dislike towards the concept. "Not only would I not get in one, I wouldn't want to drive on the same road as one," one person fumed on X (formerly Twitter). Another agreed, scathing: "I wouldn't trust them but also wouldn't use them because it's taking people's jobs away!" while a third added: "It's hard enough to trust an ordinary taxi." According to the BBC, numerous studies based on US data have suggested these driverless vehicles are 'less accident-prone' than human drivers. Of course, there have still been a number of incidents, including road accidents and passengers being locked in. On the flip side, many social media users have pointed out that they would feel 'safer' being driven by, well, nobody, as opposed to being in close proximity to an effective stranger. I don't have a particularly strong opinion on the driverless taxis itself, but I do think Uber is missing a trick when it comes to where it's trying to pilot such a huge scheme. Does London desperately need more transport options? If people refuse to show demand for the invention, the trials won't lift off the ground - and Uber drivers will keep their jobs. However, it feels similar to the pseudo-outrage that came after supermarkets started opening up self-checkouts, which are now used by the majority. If you use them, you are part of the problem. But Uber's futuristic foray highlights a much deeper issue, one that has seen the north-south divide grow stronger over years of austerity: London will always come first. Yes, the Big Smoke has the highest population density compared to any other UK city, and yes - this explicitly means a higher demand. However, with one of the world's most efficient transport networks (which can accommodate up to five million passenger journeys a day) - trialling robotaxis here feels a tad disappointing. It's only a trial - one where presumably a small fleet will be deployed - so there's no reason it has to take place in London. Why Leeds will benefit more than London Leeds is the largest city in West Europe that doesn't have a mass transit system. Its train station is chaos at the best of times, with delays and cancellations blaring out of the tannoy every five seconds, and most of the suburbs are cut off from any decent public transport links. Earlier this month, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the allocation of £2.1 billion of local transport funding to West Yorkshire which will enable the Combined Authority to get spades in the ground on West Yorkshire's tram project by 2028. While this promises to bolster connectivity to the city - it's certainly no quick fix. In a Reddit thread posted four years ago, Leeds locals were already complaining about the lack of taxis and long wait times. One user said getting home from work had become increasingly hard, even at off-peak times. "Over the past six months the volume of Uber drivers in my area has declined massively and at times I haven't been able to book a trip at all," they wrote. "When checking the 'around you' screen there's honestly not a single car in my entire postcode or the surrounding region - it's a shame that both my local Taxi firm and now Uber are running with such lower driver numbers (due to many known issues)." Another agreed, commenting: "I've had a lot of problems. When I'm making a longer trip (e.g. £15-20) it's been ok, but when it's a shorter £5-7 trip I've had multiple cars just decline it. Took five minutes to get one from the station home last night, and I had about 10 different drivers decline before one accepted," while a third added: "So far I've been ok getting to/from north Leeds to city centre but is definitely harder than it was. Coupled with crap buses getting around Leeds is not easy sometimes." So, Uber. Why London? Why not Leeds? Or Sheffield, or Manchester, or Newcastle or Belfast? Come Guinea Pig test in the north, if you're brave enough.
Wales Online
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Welsh beach that's best in UK where cars get wrecked every week
Welsh beach that's best in UK where cars get wrecked every week Five vehicles were left stranded and likely written off on Traeth y Greigddu - or Black Rock Sands - in April alone as the coastguards and council warn drivers This Mercedes car was hauled from the surf before it was completely submerged (Image: Tomahawk Landscaping Service ) For beach lovers in the know, Traeth y Greigddu is the kind of place that feels like a well-kept secret—except for the part where you can actually drive straight onto the sand. Stretching out for three miles in a golden sweep, it's a summer haven made for slow days and salty air. The gentle slope of the beach makes it ideal for swimming—occasional visits from curious barrel jellyfish notwithstanding—and there's endless room for kids to run wild. If you're lucky, the Mr Whippy van will roll up just in time for a perfectly timed scoop of seaside nostalgia. And then there's the unintentional entertainment: the not-so-rare spectacle of another car being winched from the incoming tide, its driver now wiser but a little wetter. Lately, the sea hasn't had to wait long for its next offering. In April, a staggering five vehicles were reportedly trapped in Traeth y Greigddu's unforgiving waters. These mishaps can be attributed, in part, to the unusually favourable weather during the spring season, making it easy for drivers to underestimate the unpredictability of the tide. The casualties included a brand-new Mercedes coupe and a top-of-the-line Audi. The merciless teasing these incidents received online included comments such as, "Audi do that?" Traeth y Greigddu, nestled near Porthmadog in Morfa Bychan, has become a sensation on TikTok recently, with users from every corner praising it as "one of the best beaches in Wales", reports North Wales Live. Mirror journalist Liam Gilliver, having scoured the globe for the perfect beach declared: "I travelled the world hunting for the best beach but it's actually right here in the UK". Article continues below A pink VW campervan being used for a photoshoot was engulfed in 2020 (Image: Kitty Orme ) Visiting the spot, he found its appeal in the variety of activities and space. Detailing his experience, Liam shared: "It offered more than an Instagram picture opportunity and made me nostalgic of a time when a beach was an endless stretch of fun." Among its admirers are the Manic Street Preachers, who chose the beach's backdrop for their iconic 1998 album cover 'This Is My Truth, Tell Me Yours'. However, the idyllic image is sometimes marred by the unfortunate incidents where visitors find their day spoiled by inattention to their surroundings. Fresh footage has captured the latest mishap of a Mercedes being extracted by a tractor, as the disheartened owners watch their vehicle from the waters. These visitors join a long list of individuals who've underestimated the locale, including drivers of cars, vans, 4x4s and motorhomes who have either been submerged or stuck in soft sand – some narrowly escaping the grasp of the sea. One of the few North Wales beaches where vehicles can drive right onto the sand, offering convenience for those not keen on lugging sunloungers and picnic boxes, has become a potential trap for the unwary. Holidaymakers are urged to keep an eye on tide times – the beach's gentle slope may be perfect for swimmers but also means the tide rushes in quickly. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here Drivers are reminded to park above the high water mark and steer clear of soft sand areas to avoid getting bogged down. Leaving cars unattended is also discouraged. Cyngor Gwynedd's Maritime Service officers, who oversee beach management, don't tally car strandings but admit they're "not an uncommon occurrence" during peak season. Cars that have taken a dip in salt water often end up destined for the scrap heap, and many insurance policies won't cover the cost of replacement. A council spokesperson issued a caution about potential extra costs: "Where possible, during staffed hours, council officers will endeavour to recover any vehicles that get into such difficulties," they said. "However, in some cases it may be necessary to seek assistance from a third-party contractor, for which the driver or owner of the vehicle would be responsible for the associated costs." Traeth y Greigddu is just one of several beaches under the stewardship of Cyngor Gwynedd, drawing in thousands each year. The council stated: "We welcome everyone who wishes to spend time on our beautiful beaches and coastal areas; however, we want everyone to enjoy themselves safely." They continued, "We would remind people to plan their visit to the seaside by checking the weather forecast, tides times and to treat the sea and coastline with respect." Motorists were advised to avoid parking below the high tide line and to be vigilant of changes in weather and sea conditions. They explained that "Multiple signs are positioned along the beach at Morfa Bychan to warn users of the potential dangers, and to indicate areas of the beach where vehicles are prohibited from accessing. "On occasion, the vehicles of those who have not heeded the warning signs can become trapped on the beach due to soft sand having driven on to the sand banks, or because they have parked below the high tide line." Article continues below
North Wales Live
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Cost warning as footage emerges of another Mercedes drowned on 'fun' North Wales beach
For many people, Traeth y Greigddu is the perfect beach, even without the novelty of being able to drive onto it. The views are spectacular, of course, and the sand stretches for three miles. As the Gwynedd beach slopes gently, swimming here is excellent, even allowing for the occasional barrel jellyfish. There's plenty of space for kids to play games and a Mr Whippy van will draw up alongside for the ultimate in ice cream convenience. For some less sympathetic visitors, there's an added attraction: watching the latest totally ruined vehicle to be dragged ignominiously from the surf. In recent weeks, they've not had to wait long for the latest hapless victim. In April alone, it's thought five vehicles were stranded, recovered and, in all likelihood, written off at Traeth y Greigddu (Black Rock Sands). Partly to blame was the extraordinarily good spring weather: in serene conditions it's easy to drop your guard and forget the tides are unforgiving and avaricious. Neither were they old bangers - victims have included a new Mercedes coupe and a top-of the-range Audi. Online, the quips have been remorseless. 'Audi do that?' was one. Traeth y Greigddu, at Morfa Bychan near Porthmadog, is all over TikTok at the moment. Nearly all the clips are benign, extolling the virtues of 'one of the best beaches in Wales'. A recent visitor was Mirror journalist Liam Gilliver who proclaimed: 'I travelled the world hunting for the best beach but it's actually right here in the UK'. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now He loved it because it's a truly "democratic" destination. On busier days, it hums with activity, from dog walking to metal detecting, yet doesn't feel crowded because there's plenty of space. Liam wrote: "It offered more than an Instagram picture opportunity and made me nostalgic of a time when a beach was an endless stretch of fun." Other fans include the Manic Street Preachers, who were photographed on the beach for the cover of their classic 1998 album This Is My Truth, Tell Me Yours. Which makes it all the more disappointing for the visitors whose trips are ruined by carelessness and inattention. New footage has emerged of another Mercedes being hauled out by a tractor, its owners standing in the sea looking forlorn. They're in good company. Over the years, over-ambitious drivers of cars, vans, 4x4s and motorhomes have all been caught out. Some were immersed, others trapped in soft sand. A few were lucky not to be washed out to sea. The beach is one of the handful in North Wales onto which vehicles can be driven. It means no long walks carrying sunloungers and picnic boxes, but this can catch out the unwary. Visitors here should be be mindful of the tide times – the gentle shelving beach might be good for swimming but it means the tide comes in fast. Motorists are advised to park above the high water mark and avoid designated areas to avoid getting stuck in soft sand. Neither should they leave their vehicles unattended. Overseeing beach management are Maritime Service officers at Cyngor Gwynedd. The local authority doesn't keep records of car strandings but it acknowledges they are 'not an uncommon occurrence", especially in the high season. Vehicles whose engines have been exposed to salt water have little chance of escaping the scrap yard. Neither will many insurance policies cover replacement costs. A council spokesperson warned there may be additional expenses. 'Where possible, during staffed hours, council officers will endeavour to recover any vehicles that get into such difficulties,' they said. 'However, in some cases it may be necessary to seek assistance from a third-party contractor, for which the driver or owner of the vehicle would be responsible for the associated costs.' Traeth y Greigddu is among several beaches managed by Cyngor Gwynedd, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The council added: 'We welcome everyone who wishes to spend time on our beautiful beaches and coastal areas; however, we want everyone to enjoy themselves safely. 'We would remind people to plan their visit to the seaside by checking the weather forecast, tides times and to treat the sea and coastline with respect. 'Motorists are advised to avoid parking below the high tide line and stay alert to changes in weather and sea conditions. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday 'Multiple signs are positioned along the beach at Morfa Bychan to warn users of the potential dangers, and to indicate areas of the beach where vehicles are prohibited from accessing. 'On occasion, the vehicles of those who have not heeded the warning signs can become trapped on the beach due to soft sand having driven on to the sand banks, or because they have parked below the high tide line.'
